Malawian award-winning broadcaster and events host Priscilla Kayira will be among five hosts for the 20th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), slated for November at the Balmoral Events Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
She will share the stage with four other African hosts, including Nigerian actress Genoveva Umeh, Tanzanian actor and producer Idris Sultan, Botswana television and radio host Resego Motlhokathari and Kenyan media personality Claudia Nasibwa.
In an interview yesterday, Kayira said she was surprised by the invitation, which she attributed to her work and digital presence.
“I didn’t know that there are people out there who are looking into my digital footprint, looking at the things that I’m doing in the country and also just appreciating me. It was such an honour to get the invitation,” she said.
Kayira said she initially took time to establish whether the invitation was genuine before accepting it.
“I visited their website. I also did my own research just to figure out if it was actually legitimate. It then turned out to be legitimate. We had meetings prior to the announcement, our agreements and all sorts of things and yeah, here we are and I am very grateful,” she said.
According to Kayira, the decision to have hosts from different African countries is part of TFAA’s strategy to mark its 20th anniversary differently and promote greater interaction among young Africans.
“What they are trying to achieve now is to bring Africa together; hence, different hosts from different countries on one stage,” she said.
Kayira said the role will also provide her an opportunity to introduce Malawi and its young talent to audiences across the continent through the awards.
“Right now, my job is also to introduce The Future Awards Africa to Malawians, explain what they are about and moving forward, encourage us to be part of these celebrations with the rest of Africa,” she said.
recognises young Africans aged between 18 and 33 for achievements in areas, including business, technology, governance, media and creativity.
Kayira said Malawi should take advantage of international awards platforms by consistently participating and submitting entries.
“I’m hoping that as a country, we are consistent because this is how we are going to grow as an industry. We should not give up,” she said.
The media personality said increased participation in international awards could give Malawian creatives and young leaders greater exposure and opportunities to compete at a continental level.
“If we have these awards, it will also give other creators and young leaders an opportunity to compete on a global level,” she said.
Through their publication on their social media pages and website awards
hefutureafrica.com, organisers said the 20th edition will mark a historic milestone by bringing together five hosts from different African countries on one stage to celebrate Africa’s brightest young talents, changemakers and trailblazers.
They said the five personalities bring diverse voices and experiences from across the continent, making the 20th edition a first-of-its-kind moment for the awards.
They described Kayira as a familiar voice and face in Malawian media, with experience which has established her as a talent capable of connecting with audiences.
“Now, she brings that experience to Lagos as one of five hosts from five African countries coming together for a first-of-its-kind moment on an African awards stage,” reads the publication.
Kayira is an award-winning television personality, a two-time Zikomo Awards winner and has previously hosted the continental awards ceremony in South Africa and countless local events.
